(a) whether any monitoring mechanism exists to monitor the content broadcast on FM radio channels;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor along with the steps proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
(a) whether any monitoring mechanism exists to monitor the content broadcast on FM radio channels;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor along with the steps proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING (SHRI MANISH TEWARI)
(a) to (c) As per Clause 7.6 of Grant of Permission Agreement (GOPA), all FM broadcasters shall ensure that no content,
messages, advertisement or communication, transmitted in their broadcast channels is objectionable, obscene, unauthorized
or inconsistent with the laws of India. The Broadcasters shall follow the same programme and advertisement code as
followed by All India Radio as amended from time to time or any other applicable code which may come into force.
Clause 13.1 and 13.2 of Grant of Permission Agreement (GOPA) provides for automatic loggers at FM Radio stations in
addition to preservation of recordings of broadcast material by individual broadcasters at their studio centers.
Accordingly, each private FM channels have got loggers installed in their studios to keep recording of programmes which are preserved for three months as per GOPA and can be called for in case of a complaint. Additionally, loggers have been installed with each private FM channel transmitter by Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL), at each Common Transmission Infrastructure location for off-air recording & monitoring purpose. These recordings are stored for 3 months and checked by BECIL on monthly basis for any violation. In case any violation is noticed, the same is reported to this Ministry for further action.